New Delhi: In a move signalling their growing closeness, India and the UAE on Monday agreed to coordinate efforts to counter terrorism and radicalisation and to set up a dialogue between their National Security Advisors and National Security Councils.
The development came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with the United Arab Emirate`s (UAE) Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan here.
In a joint statement released by India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), both nations rejected extremism and any link between religion and terrorism. They condemned efforts by states, to use religion to justify, support and sponsor terrorism against other countries.
"The dynamism of the two countries have translated into a rapidly expanding economic partnership, making India UAE's second largest trading partner; and UAE not only India's third largest trading partner, but also India's gateway to the region and beyond," the statement said.
And here is the link to the full text of the Joint Statement between #IndiaUAE http://t.co/5IUwqfT2oR
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) August 17, 2015
It also said that the two countries have the potential to build a transformative economic partnership, not only for sustained prosperity of their two countries, but to also advance progress in the region.
The need for a close strategic partnership between UAE and India has never been stronger or more urgent, and its prospects more rewarding, than in these uncertain times, added the statement.
Both the nations agreed on certain terms; elevate the India-UAE relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, coordinate efforts to counter radicalization and misuse of religion, denounce and oppose terrorism in all forms, promote cooperation in cyber security, establish a dialogue between their National Security Advisors, Cooperate to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean region.
Strengthen defence relations, establish a Strategic Security Dialogue between the two governments, promote strategic partnership in the energy sector, promote trade between the two countries, tap India's expertise in small and medium enterprises, promote cooperation in Space and cooperate in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, were the terms on which both the nations agreed.
The Crown Prince and Prime Minister Modi resolved to maintain regular summits, high level ministerial dialogue and meetings of bilateral mechanisms for a strong comprehensive strategic partnership. They are confident that it would play a defining role in securing a future of sustained prosperity for their people and shaping the course of their region, and also contribute to a peaceful, stable, sustainable and prosperous Asia and the world.
(With Agency inputs)
